How do I become a Pharmacist?

A pharmacist is a healthcare professional with expertise in the science of medicines, who applies clinical knowledge and professional skills to ensure the appropriate, safe use of medicines in a clinical setting, along with managing the supply of medicines and medicine information.

To qualify as a Pharmacist in Ireland, you must successfully complete a Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) degree that is accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI).  The qualification for practice as a pharmacist is a 5-year programme with a strong clinical focus including a 4 month placement in 4th year and an 8 month placement in 5th year.

Several universities offer accredited MPharm programmes, including Trinity College Dublin , University College Cork , The Royal College of Surgeons (RCSI), The University of Galway and Atlantic Technological University, Sligo.

If your qualifications was obtained outside Ireland, please visit the PSI registration page for more information on qualification recognition.

Smiling female pharmacist

Your role with the HSE

After completing your MPharm, you will need to register with the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland , the pharmacy regulator.

As a HSE Pharmacist you will play a key role in helping people get the maximum benefit from their medication in settings ranging from intensive care to longer term community care, and with a wide range of patients from premature babies to older person’s.

Hospital pharmacists can also practice in areas such as aseptic compounding, managing and overseeing the preparation of sterile medications like chemotherapy.

You will work with a diverse range of healthcare professionals including doctors, nurses and pharmacy technicians to ensure safe, effective and cost-efficient medication use.

Many HSE pharmacist roles start with a rotation through a range of specialties in hospital settings allowing pharmacists to develop a broad range of experience. There are also many evolving opportunities for pharmacists, for example, pharmacy informatics.

Elderly and young pharmacists

Career Progression

There are many ways for you to progress in your career as a Pharmacist:

 Career Progression Pathway:

  • Pharmacist
  • Senior Pharmacist
  • Advanced Specialist Pharmacist

There are also opportunities to progress along a Management Pathway, such as the Head of a Hospital Pharmacy department, who holds the post of Pharmacist Executive Manager.

HSE female pharmacist

Further training and development

Pharmacists in HSE settings will usually undertake post graduate qualifications in hospital pharmacy, clinical pharmacy or management, particularly if they wish to progress to Advanced Specialist Pharmacist or Pharmacist Executive Manager posts.

HSELAND is the HSE portal that offers an array of training & development opportunities delivered either online or in a classroom style setting. Information on Education and Development can be accessed by visiting the HSCP Hub on www.hseland.ie.

Other examples of professional development activities include access to excellent HSE library services, further training and educational opportunities, attendance at conferences, webinars and workshops, engaging in mentoring and supervision, keeping up with the latest information about the profession through specialised newsletters, blogs, and podcasts. There are also opportunities for HSE Pharmacists to become involved with academia and research, through guest lecturing or participation in studies in the hospital setting.

pharmacist with customer

Staff benefits and testimonials

Working in a rewarding and challenging career is just one of the many benefits you’ll enjoy as a HSE employee. We offer attractive pay and benefits, professional supervision, career support and development opportunities, supportive colleagues, and an excellent quality of life.

See Pay scales – HSE Staff

Staff Testimonials coming soon.

To ensure that you are informed of all vacancies please register on the HSE Career Hub for weekly job alerts.

Female pharmacist with customer